MPs accused of breaking minimum wage law with interns

Members of Parliament could be breaking minimum wage regulations by hiring young people to work as interns for nothing.

The Inland Revenue is to crack down on the practice, saying parliamentarians risk a fine of more than £200 if they do not comply.

The news will be an embarrassment to MPs who regularly hail the introduction of the national minimum wage for raising the income of people in their constituencies.

Unpaid internships are offered by many MPs as a way for young people get experience of political life. In return, the politicians get valuable assistance running their offices.

But they may be breaking the law, even though the regulations surrounding who is entitled to the minimum wage are so complex they may not even realise they are doing so.

A Revenue and Customs spokesman said new guidance would be circulated to MPs this month.

Volunteers who provide their time and effort freely do not need to be paid the minimum wage, currently £5.35 for people aged 22 and over, £4.45 for 18- to 21-year-olds and £3.30 for 16- to 17-year-olds.

But interns could be eligible if there is an obligation on them to do the work - for example to arrive at the Commons at a particular time each day - even if there is no written contract.

A number of MPs have recently been advertising for interns, including Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Chris Huhne. Millionaire Mr Huhne wants an intern for "four or five days a week in the Westminster office and for a suggested minimum of three months."

He emphasised he was following "best practice" guidance issued by the Lib-Dems' whips office and added: "I make it absolutely clear they (interns) are not expected to work regular hours."